Chris is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of the GearLab websites. Chris is the author of 10 books, a big-wall climbing expert, and a recovering ex-Wingsuit BASE jumper. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan—an accomplishment that has left friends and family pondering Chris’ sanity. He’s climbed Yosemite's daunting 3,000+ foot El Capitan over 70 times and holds nine big wall speed climbing records. In 1998 Chris did the first Girdle Traverse of El Capitan, an epic 75-pitch route that begs the question, “Why?” Outside Magazine has called Chris one of “the world’s finest aid climbers.” He’s the winner of the American Alpine Club's prestigious Bates Award and the founder of the American Safe Climbing Association, a nonprofit group that has replaced over 14,000 dangerous rock climbing anchor bolts. Chris is also the founder and lead author of the rock climbing guidebook publisher, SuperTopo. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley. You can follow him on Facebook and ChrisMcNamara.com.
Author Profile
Chris McNamara
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Showing 1-15 of 444 by Chris McNamara
Best Handheld GPS of 2024
Looking to improve your backcountry navigation? We bought and tested 4 of the best GPS units on the market to help you...Best Big Wall Climbing Harness of 2024
We compare the best big wall harnesses on the market to uncover the best option for your next Grade V or Grade VI...Best Camping Mattress of 2024
Our search for the best camping mattress starts with sifting through the best models on the market and choosing the...Best Climbing Nuts and Stoppers of 2024
We researched the best climbing nuts and chose the top options to test side by side for months on end. We tested both...Best Haul Bags for Big Wall Climbing of 2024
We compare some of the best haul bag options to help find the right one for any size and style of big wall climb.Haul Bag Buying Advice: What Features Are Important For a Big Wall Climb?
Here is what to consider when buying a haul bag or haul pack for aid climbing, big wall climbing or just cragging....Best Bike Phone Mounts of 2024
Our extensive testing of bike phone mounts turned up some expensive high performers (no surprise) but also (nice...Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2024
We put the best electric mountain bikes to the test, riding them side-by-side to find the best in our detailed...Best Fire Pits of 2024
Were you looking to take your next evening around the fire up a notch? We researched and tested the top-performing...Best Climbing Gloves of 2024
Want to keep your hands safe while climbing? Whether you're rappelling, belaying, jamming cracks, or aid climbing...Best Bouldering Crash Pad of 2024
Looking for a new crash pad? This review examines the best pads on the market to help you find the right model for...The Best Ascenders of 2024
Whether you're gearing up for El Cap, glaicer travel, top-rope soloing, or even taking photos of your buddies at the...The Best Aiders of 2024
We took 16 of the best aiders available today up some of the biggest walls in the country to test them side-by-side...How to Choose the Right Aider for Big Wall Climbing
As the defining piece of gear that separates aid from free climbing, an aider is also the most frequently used piece...Top Pick
Exped MegaMat Auto Review
Car campers rejoice! Your luxury sleep scene has arrived.
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